‘Forever in our hearts’ – Tributes flood in after Armagh GAA player Caolan Finnegan, 20, dies from brain cancer
TRIBUTES have poured in after the death of Armagh GAA player Caolan Finnegan from brain cancer.
The 20-year-old was first diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in August 2023.
A post on the Care for Caolan Facebook page informed followers of his sad passing.
It read: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we inform you of the untimely passing of our dear Caolan ‘Stringer’.
"May his beautiful and gentle soul Rest in Peace. Heaven will look after him now.”
His club Crossmaglen issued a statement of their own shortly thereafter.
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It stated: ""Caolan lost his battle earlier this morning. A battle he fought with enormous courage, strength and dignity.
"We are so proud of you Caolan. A true Ranger.
"You will be forever remembered as one of the greatest who ever donned the black & amber. Forever in our hearts.”
All club activities have been suspended as a mark of respect.
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Last month he had received a surprise visit from ex-Celtic boss Neil Lennon.
Caolan's brother Patsy told The Belfast Telegraph about how much that gesture had meant to Caolan.
Patsy noted that Lennon was in the process of grieving his mother's death so it was particularly kind of him to make time to come and see Caolan.
He said: “We never imagined in a million years that Neil Lennon would be in our house, having coffee with us.
“His visit was a massive lift to Caolan. Neil is such a great man, with a great attitude about everything.
"It meant the world to us, especially given his own circumstances.
“The fact he took the time to call in, even after just losing his mother, shows the kind of person he is.
"We owe a lot of thanks to him. Talking to him about football and family really lifted us. It was amazing.”
All-Ireland gestures
Orchard captain Aidan Forker also visited him with the Sam Maguire Cup after July's triumph over Galway.
Caolan had previously lined out for his county at all underage grades.
Following the All-Ireland final, his club teammate Oisin O'Neill had donned a t-shirt at their press conference which promoted the 'Care for Caolan' fundraising cause.
That GoFundMe page raised over €330,000 which allowed him to travel to Germany to undergo specialised treatment.
Among the many tributes paid since his untimely passing, Kerry great and Armagh selector Kieran Donaghy tweeted: "So sad. Devastating loss for his family, friends and the Crossmaglen community.
"Stringer battled as hard as he could, showed up at a session before the All-Ireland to inspire the Armagh boys, it worked. Rest in peace."